PORT ANGELES — Fire units rushed to the newly reopened Peninsula Plywood mill tonight after a smoky fire broke out above a dryer, setting off the mill’s new sprinkler system.
Details are sketchy, but numerous equipment from the Port Angeles and surrounding fire agencies were at the mill — which began official production operations only Monday — after the fire broke out around 8:20 p.m.
Firefighters were investigating into the 9 p.m. hour. There appeared to be no major damage at the mill on the east end of Marine Drive at Valley Creek.
Local investors have been successful in persuading a lender and the Port of Port Angeles — owner of the property — to let them reopen the mill, which shuttered in 2007 under the name KPly under previous ownership.
A total of 124 employees began work with production this week.
